Page:René Le Coeur Le bar aux femmes nues, 1925.djvu/5

 — You need a lot of "dough" nowadays to support a man and even to indulge in a crush," declares Marie-Louise, who knows the price of things.

Obviously, maintaining a "kept man" has become an expensive luxury, and as for a free crush, it represents a missed opportunity and therefore a deficit in the budget.

And Marie-Louise concludes:

— Not everyone can afford to be like Odette Rénier.

The great artist is of great interest to my young friends at the bar. They consider her very beautiful, with some reservations, of course, since they are women.

— She must be around thirty-five years old," declares Yvette.

— Apparently, she has magnificent pearl necklaces," says Loulou.

— I would never have that kind of luck!" Marie-Louise says again. "I have beautiful legs too."

I dare not explain to Marie-Louise that beautiful legs are not always enough, and that it takes great talent, intense work, a lot of luck, and a number of years to become a big star. I dare not, especially since I suspect Marie-Louise knows an interesting story about Odette Rénier. And I try to catch the story as it passes by, since that's why I came here.

— Does Odette Rénier indulge in crushes? Do you know about that, Marie-Louise?

And Marie-Louise proudly replies:

— Well, I went to her manicurist once! She herself told me the adventure of the young clerk.

— Let's hear about the adventure of the young clerk.

— He was a notary clerk, a beginner, a very nice and serious young man, apparently. However, one fine day, he goes to the theater. He sees Odette Rénier performing. She played a lover's role. In Act II, she wore a pink charmeuse dress, without a corset, with a neckline down to her lower back. She looked naked in it. My clerk, whose name was Julien, fell head over heels for Odette Rénier.

— Well, it must be said that she had a great role," interrupts Loulou. "I saw her myself. She was stunning.